The 50 Greatest Players in Milwaukee Bucks History

9. Vin Baker – Shake N Bake

The Stats: Four seasons played in Milwaukee. 18.3/9.5/2.7/0.9/1.3 on 49.4/25.2/63.4.

The Accolades: Drafted 8th overall by the Bucks in 1993. All-Star in 1995, 1996 and 1997. Made the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1994, the All-NBA Second Team in 1998 and the Third Team in 1997. 15th among Bucks in total points, ninth in rebounds and eighth in blocks. Led the Bucks in win shares in 1995, 1996 and 1997.

The Breakdown: Vin Baker was the best power forward in Milwaukee Bucks history, and probably could have been one of the best of all time if his career hadn’t tragically derailed due to alcoholism. Baker was a phenomenal talent in his time with the Bucks–the fact that he still ranks in the top 10 in two stat categories despite playing just four seasons in Milwaukee is a testament to that.

Baker peaked with the Bucks in his last year with the team, 1997. He averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds that season on 50 percent field goal shooting. If he could’ve stayed in that form for a few seasons, Vin Baker would be remembered across the NBA today.

But unfortunately, that’s just not how it happened. And also unfortunately, Baker peaked in the worst era of Bucks basketball and never made it to the playoffs with the Bucks. Oh, what could have been. Even without considering any what if scenarios, Baker’s work in Milwaukee stands strong.

Next: Number 8